Damage to essential telecommunications infrastructure has hampered damage assessment, and authorities are still trying to determine the number of casualties. Given the extent of the damage, it could take weeks or months to repair or replace the physical telecommunications infrastructure. In the meantime, satellite equipment provided by the ITU to the Philippine authorities will help rapidly deliver essential telecommunications services via satellite, providing vital support to search and rescue operations and helping families re-establish contact.
The ITU has deployed 50 Thuraya satellite phones equipped with GPS to facilitate search and rescue operations, along with 30 Iridium satellite phones, 20 Inmarsat broadband global area network terminals, and a Qualcomm CDMA base station. The equipment can be recharged using car batteries and also has solar panels to operate during power outages.
Immediately after the typhoon, Dr. Hamadoun I. Touré, Secretary-General of the ITU, expressed to the Government of the Philippines his deepest condolences for the loss of life, the injured, and the displaced, as well as the extensive damage to property and infrastructure. With the deployment of emergency telecommunications equipment, Dr. Touré stated, "The ITU is ready to assist the Government and people of the Philippines in every way possible as they face this immense tragedy that has struck the country with unimaginable loss of life and property. I hope that the deployment of emergency telecommunications equipment will assist the Government of the Philippines in its search and rescue operations and the restoration of vital telecommunications links.".
Restoring communications is a critical service, especially in the immediate aftermath of disasters, to enable timely intervention and assistance to victims, participation in rescue and reconstruction efforts, and to help families reconnect with loved ones. “Our goal is to ensure reliable access to telecommunications for the national and international humanitarian community so they can assist those affected and save lives,” said Brahima Sanou, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau. “This disaster comes just after the first meeting of the Advisory Council for Smart Sustainable Development, a new initiative aimed at ensuring better preparedness and response in situations like this. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. We hope these teams will help them carry out the necessary work, and we stand ready to provide immediate support during the rehabilitation of the affected telecommunications infrastructure.”
The ITU has sent experts to the Philippines who are working with the authorities to train first responders in the use of equipment in search and rescue operations and in logistical support.
